U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Angola late Monday for a two-day visit, marking his first and only trip to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency.
The visit focuses on bolstering ties and promoting a significant infrastructure project, countering China’s influence in the region.
Biden’s agenda centers on the Lobito Corridor, a multinational initiative to rehabilitate a railway connecting the mineral-rich inland nations of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port. The project, funded by the U.S., the European Union, and other partners, aims to enhance mineral exports and foster regional economic growth.
Ahead of Biden’s visit, Angola declared December 3 and 4 public holidays and heightened security in the capital, Luanda, a city of 9.5 million residents. On Tuesday, Biden will meet with Angolan President João Lourenço and later deliver remarks at the National Slavery Museum. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to travel to Lobito, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Luanda.
Geopolitical Significance
The Lobito Corridor is seen as a strategic countermeasure to China’s investments in Africa, particularly in infrastructure and mining. China has funded a similar railway project to transport minerals to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean and holds extensive mining interests in the DRC and Zambia. Angola itself owes China $17 billion, constituting 40% of its national debt.
According to John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, the project represents a “game changer for U.S. engagement in Africa.” He expressed hope that the incoming administration would continue prioritizing such initiatives, emphasizing their potential to foster economic stability and prosperity across the continent.
President Lourenço appears eager to diversify Angola’s international partnerships, moving beyond reliance on China and Russia. Kirby clarified that the U.S. is not forcing African nations to choose sides but is offering “reliable, sustainable, verifiable investment opportunities.”
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights groups have urged Biden to address Angola’s rights record during his visit. Amnesty International recently reported that Angolan police killed at least 17 protesters between November 2020 and June 2023 in a crackdown on dissent. The organization also called for the release of five government critics who have been detained for over a year.
Historical Context
Angola, a nation of 37 million people, endured a 27-year civil war following its independence from Portugal in 1975. During the Cold War, the U.S. supported the UNITA rebel movement against the ruling MPLA, officially recognizing the MPLA government only in 1993. Today, Angola remains a key oil supplier to the U.S.
Biden’s visit underscores the U.S.’s commitment to expanding its influence in Africa through strategic investments, while addressing challenges such as human rights and debt dependency.
